It has been drizzling all day. Last night, as I lay
comfortably in bed under my blanket, I heard the rain
falling softly outside my bedroom window. Sweet memories of
childhood returned. Suddenly, images of poor Vietnamese
children came to my mind, children whose lips turned blue as
they walked long distances to school on cold rainy mornings
with no breakfast. The night earth was wet and so were my
eyes.

Because of funding from CRPCF, the children were also happy
knowing that their teachers, friends and a glass of warm soy
milk were waiting for them at school. Your compassion and
generosity throughout the years have helped to water the
seeds of love and joy, as well as trust, hope and gratitude,
in these children and their families in Quang Tri, where the
land and its people were deeply torn by the war.

In 2012, CRPCV was able to provide food and schooling for
700 nursery school students and contribute to the salaries
of 7 teachers. Below are excerpts from letters sent to us
from nursery school teachers. Drawings from the children are
also included with this letter.

Tet will fall on February 10 this year. We ask for your help
so that we can offer the children new clothes and continue
to provide them with food and schooling.

CRPCV is a federally recognized charitable organization and
all donations are tax deductible. One hundred percent of
each donation supports poor children and their families in
Vietnam. All administrative time and costs are borne by our
volunteer staff. Donations can be sent to CRPCV, 10413 Adel
Road, Oakton, VA 22124.

On behalf of the poor children, their families and teachers
in Vietnam, we send you love and gratitude for your
continued support. May you, your family and all beings be
safe, peaceful and happy in each day and each hour.

Many blessings,

Anh-Huong Nguyen
for The Committee for the Relief of Poor Children in Vietnam

The happiness of the children brought a festive atmosphere
to our school on its first day. They talked, sang, danced
and played so well together. Thanks to your help, these
children have gained more weight than those who have not
been able to receive support to go to school. We live in an
area that is below sea level and is frequently struck by
natural disasters. In rainy season, farm lands become
flooded. In sunny season, the soil becomes dry and cracked.
Without your support, children from families with very low
income would never be able to attend schools. I also want to
thank you for helping me with my salary. My heart is now
more at peace. I can concentrate on teaching and caring for
the children in my class.

Letter from Tran Thi Nhung,
a kindergarten teacher in Hai Son village:

Although it was very challenging this past year, teachers
and students at our school were able to overcome many
difficult periods only because of your emotional and
material supports. The number of students has increased this
year. Due to natural disasters, it has been very difficult
to collect sufficient school fees to help pay for teachers’
salaries and other educational expenses. Most children are
well-behaved and love school, however, they must stay home
because their parents’ earnings are insufficient. We pray
that one day soon these children can join their peers at
school. Thank you for your help and understanding.

Your support has made it easier for us to care for these
very young children. Most of their parents are farmers.
Children’s health and education are immediately affected by
their parents’ unstable income, which is the result of the
soil’s poor qualities and frequent natural disasters. We
sincerely ask for your help in the years to come as we do
our best to thrive here. We are sending you the children’s
smiles as expression of deep gratitude for your help.

We are living in an area below sea level surrounded with
white sand. Harsh climate makes it difficult to thrive here.
Many parents felt helpless and sad that they could not
afford to pay for their children’s lunches. Your love and
help have allowed a number of children to have a hot lunch
and an afternoon nap each school day. You have brought
warmth to the bodies and hearts of these young souls on cold
days, as well as joy and coolness to them on hot summer
days..

Letter from Nguyen Thi Le,
a nursery school teacher in Hai Khe village:

Our village is mostly white sand. People earn their living
through fishing twelve months a year. Recently, however,
there aren’t many fish. So, either one or both parents have
to work far from home. Their children are not fed and taken
care of like those who are able to go to school. My dream is
for all of the children to be able to go to school.

The children in my class now look happier and healthier.
Their freshness and innocence have nourished and sustained
me through difficult times in my life. You have made it
possible for the stream of love and nourishment to flow
between teachers and students and far beyond. Thank you from
the bottom of my heart.